Alcohol harms in daily lifeThe best cure for loneliness is connecting with another person

The best cure for loneliness is connecting with another person

Many Finnish people suffer from loneliness. Loneliness has been a challenge in our society already before the corona pandemic but especially during that. Alko wants to do its part to prevent loneliness in our society. The products on Alko’s shelves are not medicine for loneliness, though; the best cure for loneliness is connecting with another person.

Make a habit of a Friday call

We cannot necessarily identify whether a person is lonely or not. That is why even the smallest encounter matters, and it can be more meaningful to the other person than you realise. Grab your phone because someone misses your call.

Alko’s products do not help overcome loneliness

Loneliness has been a challenge in our society already before the corona pandemic but these exeptional times have made it even more visibly. Alko aims to reduce loneliness in our society and prevent the alcohol-related harms caused by loneliness. Our main partners are MIELI Mental Health Finland and HelsinkiMissio. The products on Alko’s shelves are not medicine for loneliness.

Loneliness in Finland

Research shows that every third of us needs help for loneliness (source: Red Cross 2021). Anyone, at any age or with any social status, can experience loneliness. For example, moving to another city, getting a divorce, becoming an empty nester or going on retirement are life situations that may trigger feelings of loneliness.

Where can you find help for loneliness?

The best help for loneliness is a connection with another person. Grab your phone because someone misses your call. If you don’t have anyone to call, we encourage you to seek help.

MIELI Mental Health Finland has a crisis helpline where you can talk to someone anonymously and confidentially. Phone number to the Crisis Helpline is 09 2525 0113. Helpline is open on Mon, Tue at 11–15, Wed at 13–16 and 17–21, Thu at 10–15. Read more about the Crisis Helpline.

What are good ways to overcome loneliness?
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Do things that are important to you

Do things that you like doing, such as spending time outdoors, going to the movies or volunteering for a charity.

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Meet other people

Be active in your existing social relationships or get to know new people through your hobbies or the social media.

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Speak out

Tell someone that you are lonely. If talking about loneliness feels awkward to you, write down your feelings in a letter or a diary.

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Reach out

If talking to people close to you is not an option, help is available. Reach out on the Crisis Helpline.

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You can feel loneliness even there is people around you

There are two types of loneliness: social and emotional.

Social loneliness stems from the lack of important and meaningful relationships and networks with other people.

Emotional loneliness is caused by the person’s perception of not being understood or seen even when they are around family or friends.

What is loneliness?

Loneliness is a response to perceived social isolation and seclusion. Loneliness may cause melancholy, anxiety and feelings of shame, as well as physical and psychological nausea. Experiences of loneliness are unique and everyone’s experiences are evenly important and serious.

We should not confuse loneliness with aloneness. When you choose to be alone, it can be a positive thing and, in a hectic life situation, being alone may even be desired and relaxing.